Hometown comedian Shane Gillis throws out 1st pitch for Phillies

When the reigning World Series Champion Texas Rangers came to visit Citizens Bank Park, fans got a reunion with Michael Lorenzen, the last Phillies to throw a no-hitter.

Shane Gillis throws out first pitch in tonight’s clash between Phillies & Rangers

In the second game of the series, the Phillies got another familiar return to the park involving the pitcher’s mound. Comedian Shane Gillis returned home to throw out the night’s 1st pitch. The Mechanicsburg local took a break from touring to cheer on his hometown Phillies.

“The run they’ve been on has been incredible. It’s been really fun to watch,” said Gillis on the Phillies’ hot start.

Gillis recently hosted the long-running late-night show Saturday Night Live back on February 24th. “I was nervous for that. I might be more nervous for this,” said Gillis referring to his future 1st pitch. “I’m trying not to be like 50 Cent.”

Rapper 50 Cent remains viral on social media for what many say is the worst ceremonial 1st pitch ever, throwing for the Mets back in 2014.

“I got one day of practice in,” said Gillis on his pre-pitch preparation. “I was at the University of Texas. I got to throw from the mound a little.”

Gillis says he’s been a fan of the Phillies as long as he can remember, attributing his fandom to his dad. His all-time favorite was Phillies’ slugging 1st baseman Jim Thome.

As far as Wednesday’s game was concerned, Gillis gave a 7-1 prediction in favor of the Phils.

Gillis will keep a busy schedule as his Netflix show “Tires” is set to drop tomorrow, May 22nd. Gillis will be starring in the series and is the co-creator and an Executive Producer. “We filmed right outside of Philly in West Chester,” said Gillis. The comedy series will follow a family-owned auto repair chain as they attempt to turn the business around.

The show has already been renewed for a second season, pre-release.

AP Photo/Matt Slocum